Terms and Conditions

Ethos

At MESH we aim to bring people together who share a common interest.  In doing this we hope to forge lifelong friendships and networks for students who can then develop their interests as they grow.  Classes should be fun for all involved as well as providing high quality education and development.  We are continuously working with our respective associations to further our own knowledge and understanding of our craft as well as looking for innovative ideas for teaching.

 

We believe in mutual respect for all and request that this is demonstrated by all students, parents, carers and visitors to the school.  To this end we expect the following:

·      For each individual to be treated with kindness and courtesy at all times. 

·      For those not dancing to respect the students and teacher by not disrupting the class.  For example:

o   Ensuring you arrive in plenty of time to be ready for when class starts

o   Keeping noise levels outside class to a minimum

o   Ensuring children are collected in a timely fashion

·      Showing courtesy if you do arrive late by entering class quietly and making yourself known to the teacher to ensure you are marked on the register for emergency procedures

·      Bullying is not tolerated at MESH Ballet and we ask that any concerns regarding this are brought to the principal’s attention as soon as possible

 

We also encourage this ethos within class by discussing any unwanted behaviour as it arises and how this could change to be more positive.  We also enable students to provide constructive feedback to their peers during class to encourage a supportive and accepting environment.

 

This respect should also extend to our environment to include the spaces in which classes are held as well as our external environment.  To this end we ask that:

·      Any rubbish you make is disposed of thoughtfully or taken with you

·      Buildings and furniture are treated accordingly and not misused

·      Spaces used are tidied after yourselves

 

The Nitty Gritty

 

Class Payment

Invoices will be sent for the year up to the end of the summer term.  Payments will be taken will be taken in 10 monthly instalments from September to June on the first day of the month.  If there are any concerns with payments, eg: an alternative payment date in the month is required, then please contact the principal to discuss this and we will do our best to work together to ensure the student can maintain their place in class.  Late payment of instalments will incur a £5 administration fee unless agreed with the principal in advance.

 

Payment will not be refunded for missed classes.  If a class has to be cancelled then every effort will be made to reschedule this class during a weekend or holiday period, if not possible then the cost will be deducted from the following payment period. 

 

We request that you provide a ½ term notice of any intention to cancel your class membership or that a ½ term payment is made in lieu of notice.

 

Class Etiquette

After the first half term we would like students to be wearing the correct uniform for their class if applicable.  We believe that, as well as being the most appropriate attire for the activity undertaken, uniform plays an important role in showing unity as a school.  The uniform changes as students move through the grades and we hope that younger children will see the pride the older students’ take in their appearance and their school and aspire to reach that level themselves. For non-uniform classes (Open Level / Adult) then appropriate clothing should be worn to ensure safety and visibility of technique.

 

Hair should be neatly groomed and off the face for all classes; this does not have to be a full ballet bun for younger children but a ponytail or plait for longer hair and a secure hairband to keep hair off the face for shorter styles.  This helps reduce distractions and also shows a willingness to engage in the activity.  Older children should be encouraged to learn to groom their own hair and carry appropriate equipment to enable them to do this.  Advice is available on the website on how to achieve a ballet bun for those not so familiar with this style.

 

We ask that food and drink is not brought in to class, except for a drink of water in a re-sealable bottle which can be placed at the side of the room if required.  Most students should manage a 30 minute class without the need for a drink except in extremely hot weather.  For longer classes, time is given to take a drink and students are not encouraged to leave the dancefloor for a drink at other times without permission from the teacher as this can disrupt the flow of the class.

 

Safeguarding

Your children’s safety is of paramount importance to us in every way.  To this end all teachers are DBS checked and all non-teaching staff will be trained in safeguarding awareness.  Should you have any concerns regarding the safeguarding of any child in the school please contact the principal or ask to speak to the welfare officer.

 

We also ask that you play a part in safeguarding the children and ensure that young children are not left unsupervised in the waiting areas before class and are collected promptly after class.  If someone else is to collect your child please let the teacher know who to expect.  Please also let the teacher know if you allow your child to walk home alone after class, otherwise they will be kept in class until collected.

 

During class it is important that students are carrying out techniques in a specific way to ensure it is correct and will not cause injury.  At times physical correction is required to enable the student to learn the correct position.  At these times the teacher will always ask before touching a student.  If you require more information please do contact the principal.

 

Data Protection

We do ask for certain information about students and customers and we do our best to ensure this is kept safe and secure at all times.  We never pass your information to other people or businesses without your consent and we only use your information for school related business such as; changes to classes and to pass on information about the school and the activities undertaken.  All personal information is maintained by Class Manager and their terms and conditions are available on their website.

 

Photography Consent

Photographs and videos of students may be taken during class and used on our website and social media sites.  Please inform the school in writing if you do not wish your child to be included in these images. 

 

We also take photographs and videos for educational purposes and monitoring progress.  This allows students to see their own technique or performance level and understand corrections.  Images used for monitoring progress will be kept on a secure drive whilst the student is still registered with the school, other educational images will be deleted once viewed in class.  Please inform the school in writing if you do not wish your child to be included in these images. 

 

Performances and Competitions

During the school year students may be asked to participate in shows or competitions.  As much information as possible will be provided at the outset regarding dates of the event or any extra classes or costs involved.  We ask that you give this information careful consideration before agreeing as it can be very disruptive to classes and costly to the school if people are absent from rehearsals or last-minute changes are required when people pull out of an event.

 

For dance performances some children may require a performance licence depending on how many other performances they have been involved in during the year.  In this instance MESH Ballet will apply for the licence from the Local Authority on behalf of the child.  A licensed child will require a licensed chaperone, this may be a parent or a chaperone provided through the school.  Non-licensed children will also require council-licensed chaperones for any performances and we ask that parents support us in this by volunteering some time to support their children and the school as chaperones during rehearsals and performances.

 

Any performance by MESH Ballet may be filmed by MESH Film, and digital downloads will be available for purchase following the performance.  MESH Film may also take portrait photographs of students in costume which may be used for promotion (with permission) and will be available for purchase following the performance.  Agreement to participate in any performance is also an agreement to these conditions.  If you require more information please contact the principal.